Adapter for a variety of tubes having various diameters and a method of using the adapter

ABSTRACT

An adapter is providing for connecting a fluid source to any one of a variety of tubes having variously sized access ports. The adapter has a body having a channel extending between two ends thereof. Along an exterior of the body, increased diameter sections are provided. Some of the increased diameter sections are tapered forming barbs around the periphery of the adapter. A method is further provided for connecting a fluid source to a variety of variously sized tubes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to adapters for mating a fluidsource with a delivery tube. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to adapters for connecting an enteral fluid source to an enteralfeeding device.

Infusion of nutritional formulations into a patient is, of course,generally known. Such nutritional products can be administered enterallyor parenterally. One enteral means for providing such nutrition is byuse of a feeding tube connected to a supply or source of a liquidnutritional product. A means for providing intravenous solution to apatient is via an intravenous (IV) needle, i.e. parenterally. The IVneedle is inserted into a patient's venous system. A luer fit or otherconnection allows an adapter or coupler to be secured therein so thatfluid can be infused through the needle into the patient.

It is also generally known to insert a catheter into a patientpercutaneously or to use a nasogastric feeding tube. The catheter ortube is connected to a container holding a liquid nutritional product bya fluid conduit. Various sized adapters are normally provided at anoutlet end of the fluid conduit. The adapters frictionally fit into anopen end of the feeding catheter or tube.

An example of a multi-step adapter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,057,093. Stepped adapters provide an outer surface having a series ofstepped surfaces of progressively smaller diameter from the flow inletof the adapter to the flow outlet of the adapter. Therefore, the adaptercan be inserted into a wide variety of feed tubes and catheters ofvarying diameters and depths.

Another example of an enteral adapter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,267,983. The adapter of the '983 patent again provides multi-steps foraccommodating a wide range of diameters of access ports of enteralfeeding devices. The leading step of the adapter is sized in length anddiameter to prevent a secure connection to an IV access port.

These known adapters, however, have disadvantages. First, a secure,locking fit preventing separation of the adapter from the feeding tubecannot be guaranteed. A simple pulling or other external or internalforce exerted on the feeding tube can result in releasing of the feedingtube from the adapter. To resolve this problem, often a separate lockingmechanism or tethered member is connected to the adapter and/or thefeeding tube to assist in preventing release of the feeding tube fromthe adapter.

A need, therefore exists for an improved adapter overcoming thedeficiencies of known prior art adapters allowing a secure connectionand a positive interference fit for any available tubes and/or catheterproducts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adapter for connecting a fluid sourceto a variety of tubes having various sized access ports. In addition,the present invention provides a method for connecting a first fluidconduit to a second fluid conduit enabling fluid communicationtherebetween.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an adapter comprising abody having a channel therethrough. The channel is defined by a firstopening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The bodyhas a plurality of sections wherein a first section has a firstsubstantially uniform diameter section and a first tapering section; asecond section has a second substantially uniform diameter section and asecond tapering section wherein the second tapering section is longerthan the first tapering section; and a third section has a thirdtapering section wherein the third tapering section is longer than thesecond tapering section. The first, second and third sections areintegrally formed with the channel extending therethrough.

In an embodiment, the second tapering section of the adapter of thepresent invention has two different substantially uniform degrees oftaper.

In an embodiment, the third tapering section of the adapter of thepresent invention has two different substantially uniform degrees oftaper.

In an embodiment, the first tapering section of the adapter of thepresent invention has a shorter length than the first substantiallyuniform diameter section.

In an embodiment, the second opening of the adapter of the presentinvention has an increased diameter channel tapering from the secondopening to a reduced diameter intermediate the first opening and thesecond opening.

In an embodiment, the second tapering section of the adapter of thepresent invention has a larger diameter than the first tapering sectionof the adapter of the present invention and a larger diameter than thesecond tapering section.

In an embodiment the adapter of the present invention further comprisesa recessed area constructed and arranged at a point intermediate thefirst end and the second end of the body.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an adapter is providedfor connecting a fluid source to a feed tube. The adapter comprises abody having a channel therethrough. The channel is defined by a firstopening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The body isintegrally formed by, in sequential order from the first end to thesecond end, a first cylindrical segment, a first tapered segment, asecond cylindrical segment, a second tapered segment and a third taperedsegment wherein a diameter of the first tapered segment is larger than adiameter of the second cylindrical segment, the diameter of the secondtapered segment is larger than the diameter of the third taperedsegment.

In an embodiment, the first cylindrical segment of the adapter of thepresent invention is divided into two sections having a first diameterand a second diameter, respectively.

In an embodiment, the second tapered segment of the adapter of thepresent invention has two degrees of taper.

In an embodiment, the third tapered segment of the adapter of thepresent invention has two degrees of taper.

In an embodiment, the first cylindrical segment of the adapter of thepresent invention is longer than the first tapered segment.

In an embodiment, the second tapered segment of the adapter of thepresent invention is longer than the second cylindrical segment.

In an embodiment, a method is provided for connecting a tube to a fluidsource. The method comprises the steps of: providing an adapter havingan inlet port and an outlet port connected by a channel inside theadapter; providing an exterior of the adapter with a plurality oftapered segments and a plurality of cylindrical segments, the taperedsegments having increased diameters as distance from the outlet endsincreases and wherein at least one of the plurality of cylindricalsegments is constructed and arranged between the plurality of taperedsegments; and securing a second tube to the adapter at the outlet port.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprisesthe step of providing a recessed section opposite the outlet port of theadapter.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprisesthe step of providing a tapering connection at the inlet port.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprisesthe step of providing a gate having a diameter greater than the diameterof the largest tapered segment, the gate is constructed and arrangednear the inlet end.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprisesthe step of providing non-uniform tapers in each of the plurality oftapered segments.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprisesthe step of increasing the length of the plurality of tapered segmentsas distance from the outlet end increases.

It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide anadapter and a method for connecting the adapter to any size tube.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adapter anda method for using the adapter wherein the adapter provides aninterlocking fit.

Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide anadapter and a method of using the adapter which interlocks from a slipconnection.

Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an adapterand a method of using the adapter that is simple to implement.

And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an adapterand a method of using same that is difficult to separate from a tubingat the outlet end.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter ofthe present invention with feeding tubes connected at both the inlet andoutlet ends of the adapter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the adapter of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter illustrated inFIG. 2 taken generally along the line III--III of the adapter of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the adapter ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the adapter ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an adapter that provides an interferencefit and locking connection to a wide variety of feed tubes. Typical feedtubes for connection include, but are not limited to, enteral feedingdevices, such as J-tubes and G-tubes, as well as Foley catheters.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 generally illustrates an adapter10. The adapter 10 may be connected at each end by a length of tubing,such as a fluid conduit 12 and a feed tube 14, such as is generallyknown and used for enteral feeding. The fluid conduit 12 may beconnected to, for example, an enteral fluid source (not shown), such asa feeding bag. The feed tube 14 may be attached to a second fluidconduit (not shown) leading directly into a gastro/intestinal system ofa patient or the like. Alternatively, the feed tube 14 itself may leadinto the patient's system. This arrangement allows fluid from the fluidsource or other container to be infused into a patient. Of course, thefluid conduit 12 may be connected directly to the fluid source. Anynumber of known fluid sources may be implemented as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

As more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adapter 10 has aplurality of sequentially stepped diameter forming sections 18a, 18b,18c and 18d. The sections 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are arranged from anoutput end 13 of the adapter 10 to which the feed tube 14 may beconnected to an input end 15. The sections 18a 18b, 18c and 18d arearranged to provide an increasing diameter from the output end 13 to theinput end 15.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the adapter 10, the firstsection 18a has a length of approximately 0.238" and a diameter of0.180". The second section 18b has a length of approximately 0.329" witha uniform radius of 0.242" for a portion of the length that tapers to aradius of 0.323" in the remaining portion. The smaller radius isprovided substantially throughout the second section 18b. The last 0.25"of the second section 18b is tapered at an angle of approximately 25°.Both the first section 18a and the second section 18b have radiusedcorners to assist in receiving the feed tube 14. The radiused cornersallow for the feed tube 14 to be slipped onto the adapter 10 withapplication of minimal forces.

The third section 18c is approximately 0.292" in length and is dividedinto three substantially equivalent sub-sections 20a, 20b and 20c. Thefirst sub-section 20a of the third section 18c has a substantiallyequivalent diameter throughout of approximately 0.260". The length ofthe sub-section 20a is approximately 0.079" or one-third of the lengthof the third section 18c. A taper begins on an exterior portion of theadapter 10 following the first sub-section 20a. The taper continues forthe remainder of the third section 18c with a slightly reduced taperbeginning between the sub-sections 20b and 20c. At the end of the thirdsub-section 20c, a radiused corner is provided leading into the fourthsection 18d.

The fourth section 18d has a radiused corner at the junction of thefourth section 18d with the third section 18c. The length of the fourthsection 18d is approximately 0.330" and is substantially evenly taperedfollowing the radiused corner to an opposite end of the fourth section18d. The taper is slightly reduced at an approximate midpointintermediate the ends of the fourth section 18d. The radius at an end isapproximately 0.510" and at its narrowest portion approximately 0.272".Following the widest point of the fourth section 18d, the adapter 10 hasa reduced diameter section 22 of a substantially equivalent diameter ofapproximately 0.440". The reduced diameter section 22 has a length ofapproximately 0.263". Following the reduced diameter section 22 is asub-gate section 24 of substantially equivalent diameter slightly largerthan the reduced diameter section 22 and approximately 0.546". Thesub-gate section 24 extends for approximately 0.080". The sub-gatesection 24 provides a gripping surface for holding the adapter 10 andfor assisting in insertion of the adapter 10 into the feed tube 14.

Finally, a fluid conduit receiving section 26 is provided at the inletend 15 opposite the first section 18a at the outlet end 13. The fluidconduit section 26 has a substantially uniform exterior diameter ofapproximately 0.240". The length of the fluid conduit section 26 isapproximately 0.5".

Referring now to FIG. 3, an interior passageway 28 is provided throughthe length of the adapter 10. The interior passageway is defined by afirst opening 34 at the outlet end 13 and a second opening 36 at theinlet end 15. The interior passageway 28 has a substantially equivalentdiameter of approximately 0.102" through the sections 18a, 18b, 18c and18d. At a point in the interior passageway 28 intermediate the inlet end15 and the outlet end 13, the diameter of the interior passageway 28 iswidened to approximately 0.146" and a taper extends through the fluidconduit section 26 and the interior passageway 28 resulting in thesecond opening 36 at the inlet end 15 of approximately 0.194" indiameter.

At the inlet end 15 of the interior passageway 28 within the fluidconduit section 26, a taper 30 is provided. The taper 30 has a wideneddiameter opening 31 at the inlet end of 15 prior to the taper 30. Theopening 31 is substantially uniform in diameter. The opening 31 and thetaper 30 provide a means for attaching, for example, a needle or cannulaor the like providing a sealed relationship therebetween.

The adapter 10 is further provided with a recessed area 32 extendingperipherally around the sub-gate section 24, the reduced diametersection 22 and into the fourth section 18d. The recessed area 32provides an area for which a larger tubing or other fluid conduit may beconnected at the inlet end 15 of the adapter 10, such as illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate top plan and bottom plan views, respectively,of the adapter 10. The numerical labelling of each of FIGS. 4 and 5corresponds to diameters of each of the respective sections of theadapter 10 described with reference to FIG. 1-3.

The construction of the adapter 10 allows for any fluid conduit to besecured to the adapter 10. The adapter 10, therefore, allows a fluidcontainer to be placed in fluid communication with effectively any typeof enteral feeding device, including, but not limited to, G-tubes,J-tubes, Foley catheters, and the like. The adapter 10 is particularlysuitable for use with enteral feeding devices having annular rings. Thesections of the adapter 10 of the present invention are constructed andarranged to lock into the annular rings providing a secure fit for thefeeding tube set.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An adapter for connecting a fluid source to a feed tube,the adapter comprising:a body having a channel therethrough, the channeldefined by a first opening at a first end and a second opening at asecond end, the body integrally formed by, in continuous and sequentialorder from the first end to the second end, a first continuously uniformcylindrical segment, a first tapered segment, a second continuouslyuniform cylindrical segment, a second tapered segment and a thirdtapered segment wherein a diameter of the first tapered segment islarger than a diameter of the second cylindrical continuously uniformsegment and further wherein a diameter of the second tapered segment islarger than a diameter of a junction between the second tapered segmentand the third tapered segment wherein the first continuously uniformcylindrical segment is divided in two sections having a first diameterand a second diameter in continuous and sequential order from the firstend to the second end, respectively, wherein the first diameter issmaller than the second diameter of the first continuously uniformcylindrical segment.
 2. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the secondtapered segment has two degrees of taper.
 3. The adapter of claim 1wherein the third tapered segment has two degrees of taper.
 4. Theadapter of claim 1 wherein the first cylindrical segment is longer thatthe first tapered segment.
 5. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the secondtapered segment is longer than the second cylindrical segment.